By Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA: Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, has described Monday’s Court of Appeal judgment regarding the Peoples Democratic Party PDP Ibadan convention as a victory for the rule of law, calling on party members to abandon their “egos” and prioritize reconciliation over further litigations.
Speaking on Monday afternoon in Abuja, Wike emphasized that the court’s decision to dismiss several appeals with heavy costs underscores the necessity of adhering to statutory provisions, the Electoral Act, and the party’s own constitution.
He argued that the violation of these laws removes a matter from being a mere “internal affair” of the party and justifies judicial intervention.
With political party primaries looming in April and May, the Minister warned that dragging the case to the Supreme Court would be self-destructive. He urged aggrieved members to see the judgment as an opportunity to “chart the way forward.”
“For me, it is an opportunity for everybody today to come back and see how we can salvage the party.
Leave your ego. Leave your personal interest. Come back. Let’s sit down. Now we are here, can we see how we can forge ahead?”, he asked.
He cautioned that further legal delays could jeopardize the party’s standing ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle.
“By the time you go to the Supreme Court, you are merely causing harm to your party which you say you love… it is time now to say we have fought, let us drop our personal interest and make sure that PDP becomes the Number 1 opposition party”, he said.
Wike clarified that the ruling effectively nullified the Ibadan convention, confirming that the tenure of the previous officers had expired.
He noted that the party’s National Caretaker Committee is the legally recognized body currently managing its affairs to prevent a vacuum.
“It is very clear that there was no convention (in Ibadan) and the tenure of the officers then had expired and you cannot allow a vacuum. The court of appeal said today, it is clear, that convention does not stand. So, the caretaker committee is what it is now”, he stated.
The minister also confirmed that preparations are in top gear for a fresh National Convention scheduled for March 29 and 30 in Abuja.
Due to a venue clash with the ruling All Progressives Congress APC at Eagle Square, the PDP has secured an alternative location.
“The national caretaker committee has gotten approval to use the Velodrome for their National Convention from 29 to 30th March.
“Remember we would have used the Eagle Square but because APC will be having their National Convention 28th & 29th, it will be difficult for PDP to keep the place ready. So they had to choose an alternative venue which is the Velodrome near the National Stadium.”
Wike reiterated that “compliance with the laws” is non-negotiable, noting that the dismissal of nine appeals with costs – totaling approximately ₦18 million – serves as a lesson in political impunity.
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